CVE-2014-0568 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The NtSetInformationFile system call hook feature in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.12 and 11.x before 11.0.09 on Windows allows attackers to bypass a sandbox protection mechanism, and consequently execute native code in a privileged context, via an NTFS junction attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0568 represents a critical sandbox bypass flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to 10.1.12 and 11.0.09 on Windows platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the NtSetInformationFile system call hook feature, which is designed to monitor and control file system operations within the sandboxed environment. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the system call interception mechanism, effectively undermining the security boundaries that separate trusted application code from potentially malicious content. The vulnerability operates through an NTFS junction attack vector, leveraging the Windows file system's junction point functionality to circumvent the intended security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated manipulation of the Windows NT kernel's file system interface. When Adobe Reader or Acrobat processes documents, it relies on the NtSetInformationFile system call to monitor and restrict file operations within its sandboxed execution environment. The flaw allows attackers to create or manipulate NTFS junction points that point to privileged system locations, thereby enabling the system call hook to be bypassed. This bypass mechanism essentially allows malicious code to execute native system calls that would normally be restricted, effectively elevating privileges from the sandboxed context to a full system-level execution environment. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, and specifically relates to improper control of a resource through which a system might be accessed.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0568 is severe and far-reaching, as it fundamentally compromises the core security model of Adobe's sandboxing implementation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary native code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining complete system control without requiring user interaction or additional exploitation steps. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks or when deployed through phishing campaigns. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to critical infrastructure. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant vector for lateral movement and persistent access within compromised networks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches and updates for Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 10.1.12 and 11.0.09, respectively. Beyond patching, security teams should consider implementing additional protective measures such as restricting file system access for Adobe applications, monitoring for unusual NTFS junction point creation, and deploying application control solutions that can prevent the execution of malicious code within the sandboxed environment. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious system call patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the inherent risks associated with complex sandboxing mechanisms that may contain implementation flaws. Security professionals should also consider conducting vulnerability assessments to identify other potential sandbox bypass mechanisms and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attacks targeting application sandboxing technologies.